Madhya Pradesh back to pre-Covid freedom, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan removes all curbs

BHOPAL: Night life in Madhya Pradesh cities will be back. Marriage processions, with baraatis dancing to DJs, will rock again. Temples and other religious places will have crowds of devotees. Cinemas will again see queues and marriage gardens will glitter as the chief minister on Wednesday announced lifting of all Covid restrictions in Madhya Pradesh with immediate effect.
Schools and colleges can run at 100% capacity. Parents' consent will be mandatory for school students, and double vaccination a must for college-goers.
Chouhan took the decision to lift all remaining Covid restrictions at a review meeting. "Covid-19 is almost under control in the state. Therefore, the state government has decided to remove all restrictions that were in force till now. All activities can be restarted but with Covid-appropriate behavior," he said. "Do not be negligent now that the decision to lift the ban has been taken," he cautioned the public.
Former CM Kamal Nath, however, felt the decision was taken in a hurry. He pointed out that there's a worldwide fear of a third wave and 100% vaccination has not been achieved. The CM's announcement triggered elation and relief in the business community. After over 21 months of Covid restrictions, and long periods of total lockdown, freedom has brought hopes of resurgence in all sectors.
"A long period has been spent under restrictions. The decision to lift restrictions has been taken after deliberating the overall situation. People will now be able to attend funerals. Night curfew is also being lifted from Wednesday night," Chouhan said.
Caution is needed as vaccination has slowed down and so has testing.
On Wednesday, barely 50,000 tests were conducted.